Head of People Business Partnering and Operations

University of Suffolk; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Ipswich is seeking a dynamic Head of People Business Partnering & Operations to lead its People & Organisational Development efforts. This pivotal role involves working with senior leadership to deliver the People Strategy, driving transformation, managing HR functions, and ensuring compliance with legal standards. Candidates should possess strong HR leadership skills, a proactive mindset, and the ability to engage at all organizational levels. This role offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Extra leave on birthday

Flexible working policies

Competitive pension scheme

Staff discounts at local amenities

Discounted leisure membership

Learning and development opportunities

Cycle to Work scheme

Electric vehicle salary sacrifice

Employee Assistance Programme

Annual staff awards

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading HR strategy and change management.
• Strong communication skills for all levels of staff engagement.
• Capacity to deliver transformational change in HR practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead Business Partnering, Resourcing, and People Operations.
• Drive projects that enhance people culture and performance.
• Partner with leadership on organizational design and workforce planning.
• Ensure compliance with HR laws and best practices.
• Utilize data to inform HR decisions.

Skills

People leadership

Deep knowledge of employment law

Exceptional communication skills

Operational HR function experience

Proactive mindset

Planning and performance management

Job description

Permanent, full time, 37 hours per week (1.0 FTE)

Band 7 - £50,253 to £58,226 per annum

Shape and deliver impactful People services and practice at the University of Suffolk

Are you an experienced People (HR) professional ready to lead transformative change and position an ambitious university as an Employer of Choice? The University of Suffolk is seeking a dynamic, solution focussed Head of People Business Partnering & Operations to join our People & Organisational Development (POD) Directorate.

This is a pivotal People leadership role, working closely with the Chief People Officer and Deputy Director to deliver our People Strategy - a key enabler of the University’s 10-year vision for growth and transformation.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and Inspire: Strategically manage our Business Partnering, Resourcing, and People Operations functions, ensuring a customer-focused, commercially minded, and solution-driven service.
• Drive Transformation: Oversee key projects and programmes that embed a positive, solution focussed and inclusive people culture and deliver high-performance, enabling outcomes.
• Collaborate at Every Level: Partner with senior leaders and stakeholders to shape organisational design, People priorities and workforce planning.
• Champion Best Practice: Ensure compliance with employment law and HR best practice (and manage complex employee relations, organisational change, recruitment and HR service matters) whilst innovating processes for efficiency and impact.
• Use Data to Drive Delivery: Embed the use and development of data to drive decision making and improve outcomes.

What We’re Looking For

• A proven People (HR) leader with deep knowledge of employment law, people strategy and best practice in the management of change and people activities.
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills, able to engage confidently across all levels in person and in writing.
• Experience in leading an operational HR function and delivering transformational change.
• A proactive, solution-focused mindset with the ability to balance strategic vision and operational excellence.
• A team player - able to bring the best out in individuals.
• Strong planning and performance / accountability management skills which translate into supporting the best People outcomes.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a forward-thinking university committed to innovation and inclusivity.
• Be part of a talented team in shaping the future of our people approach to deliver positive people outcomes and a fit for purpose workforce.
• Enjoy a collaborative culture and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement of 25 days for Bands 1-4 and 30 days for Bands 5 and above, plus 8 bank holidays and any university closure days.
• Enjoy an extra day of paid leave on your birthday, subject to qualifying/service conditions.
• Flexible working, including family friendly policies.
• Competitive workplace pension scheme (USS) - with an employer contribution rate of 14.5%, tax relief on contributions and life cover.
• Staff discounts at a number of local amenities in Ipswich.
• Discounted membership at Adastral Park Leisure and Sports
• Access to a range of high-quality learning and development opportunities
• Discounted rates for staff approved to study a UoS undergraduate or postgraduate course, subject to a set of criteria and conditions.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Staff recognition annual awards.

Closing date

Sunday 7 December 2025

Provisional interview date

Tuesday 16 December 2025

For an informal conversation about the role please contact Ataylia Clarke - Resourcing Co‑ordinator ([e-mail] ) who will make appropriate arrangements for this.

Please see the Job Application Guidance to support your application.

We recommend that you apply as soon as possible, even if the closing date is in the future. Applications received may be reviewed before the closing date and should we receive a high number of applications for this post, or high-quality applications which demonstrate suitability, we reserve the right to close the vacancy early. We may hold interviews as and when applications are received, and we reserve the right to offer to a candidate prior to the closing date.

We are a values driven organisation, committed to ensuring we remain a beacon for aspiration and achievement, while providing a great environment to work and study. We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community and we encourage applications from under‑represented groups.